Unidentified Aerial Object Sighted at Dayton Airport in 1958

Summary

In April 1958, a witness at Dayton Airport, Ohio, reported an unidentified aerial object that appeared as a dark blue cloud. The object, measuring 6 to 8 feet in diameter, was observed for 4 minutes and moved vertically towards the southwest. Although initially considered possibly a balloon or aircraft, the investigation concluded it was likely a misidentification of conventional objects like clouds, aircraft, or balloons. The ATIC report noted that the observer himself admitted the object resembled a cloud.

The investigation included checks with radar and flight test units, but no unusual findings were reported. A balloon released hours earlier was considered a possible explanation due to weather conditions. Additionally, it was noted that any object the size of a swimming pool would have been seen by many people, supporting the theory of a mistaken identification.